Help - any thoughts on which 4.5-5m?

JLMS · 07 July 2020, 11:41

Hello, we are new to the world of ribs (although we have PB2 and driven sailing club safety boats). We are after a rib to use as a safety/coach boat but also be able to take a family of 4 out for a jolly when the weather is good. We are based on the Solent so it needs to be reasonable in chop. We would like a 4 stroke engine and preferably 4.5 - 5m so its easier to tow and pop in and out, as we will usually use it 2-up. Budget up to £10k. The Ribcraft 4.8 looks good but they seem hard to come by and expensive. There are various Valiant, Humber, and XS ribs out there which appear to meet requirements but which has the best hull shape? Hyperlon or PVC tubes? Any advice gratefully received, and many thanks to those who already have commented under the newbie post!

TimB · 07 July 2020, 11:59

https://www.ribs4u.co.uk/ribs-in-sto...riner-f60-efi/

£2495 above your budget but brand new, plus keep your eye on their site in general

Maximus · 07 July 2020, 13:24

Hold out for a Ribcraft...you won't regret it...in Hull Tank even better!

TimB · 07 July 2020, 13:34

as above, you'll have to be quick if one comes up

GuyC · 07 July 2020, 13:50

What about a Searider 4.7 or a Ribquest 4.8? I don't have any experience of them but they do seem well thought of.

JLMS · 07 July 2020, 14:09

Thanks all, useful tips. I've heard that Tornados are/were also pretty good for our needs.

Is it important to have hyperlon over pvc? How much more durable is it, is it harder to patch?

GuyC · 07 July 2020, 14:45

https://www.powerboatandrib.com/2018...-of-rib-tubes/

This might help.

JLMS · 07 July 2020, 15:37

Thanks, a really useful summary. ��

GuyC · 07 July 2020, 22:37

I'm guessing you've seen this.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f8/rc-4-8-...tml#post816184

TimB · 07 July 2020, 23:09

https://www.bowlinemarine.co.uk/prod...4-8-honda-50hp

TimB · 07 July 2020, 23:10

4.8 ribcraft for sale be quick

JLMS · 08 July 2020, 08:40

Thanks Tim!! ��*♀️

spartacus · 08 July 2020, 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Hold out for a Ribcraft...you won't regret it...in Hull Tank even better!

Under jockey console ones work fine, otherwise the fuel trays are at the transom screwed to the deck which takes up valuable space. Stick on a Zodiac MilPro fuel bladder and your up to 75 litres.

GuyC · 08 July 2020, 15:53

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/ribcraft-48/640382

JLMS · 08 July 2020, 16:13

Thanks Guy

spartacus · 08 July 2020, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/ribcraft-48/640382

One extreme to the other GuyC. There's a 2006 Ribcraft 4.8m with similar vintage Honda F50 for £10,499 at https://www.bowlinemarine.co.uk/prod...4-8-honda-50hp...

...and this set up with unknown hull build (love the colour by the way) which I'm itching to give a spray of Rib Revive and a 2017 Mercury 60hp on the business end with a genuine Ribcraft A-Frame for £7,800.

If there's an equivalent of a Parker's guide for boats - it's just gone out the bleed'n window!

TimB · 09 July 2020, 00:20

The yellow one has a good engine, but tubes look tired as does the trailer. Plus been anti fouled. The blue with the 50 Honda looks in better condition, but is missing 10hp. But I would rather go for the blue one